An inferior vena cava filter is a medical device made of metal that is implanted by vascular surgeons or interventional radiologists into the inferior vena cava to prevent a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE) or venous thromboembolism (VTE).

The filter is designed to trap a blood clot and prevent its travel to the lung where it would form a pulmonary embolism. The first retrievable IVC filters were approved by FDA in 2003 and 2004.

In 2012, the American College of Chest Physicians recommended IVC filters for those with contraindications to anticoagulation who either have acute PE or acute proximal deep vein thrombosis (above the knee).

History

alt=3D Medical Animation still shot showing the Inferior vena cava filter|thumb|284x284px|Image showing an inferior vena cava filter in its position

The first IVC filter was created by Kazi Mobin-Uddin who published his findings in 1969 in the New England Journal of Medicine. The Mobin-Uddin filter was later replaced by the Greenfield filter developed by Lazar Greenfield which had a lower rate of filter related complications.

Long-term risk factors must be considered as well, to include life expectancy of more than six months following insertion, and the ability of the patient to comply with anticoagulation therapy. The decision to use a filter that is temporary vs permanent basically is tied to the expected duration of time that protection is needed to prevent pulmonary emboli from passing to the heart and lungs. One such guideline is outlined below:

Indications for removing IVC filter

There is no current published data confirming the benefit of removing an IVC. Because of this, the Society of Interventional Radiology created a multidisciplinary panel that developed the following guidelines to see if someone qualifies for removal: in this instance, the symptom was orthostatic hypotension. they are not, alone, reason enough to maintain extended anticoagulation.

thumbnail|right|Abdominal radiograph shows that one of the legs (arrows) of the IVC filter is pointed away from the expected IVC lumen.

thumbnail|right|Axial CT image confirms that one of the legs (arrow) of the IVC filter has migrated out of the IVC wall into an adjacent tissue.

FDA communication

In August, 2010, the FDA released an Initial Communication on the Risk and Adverse events associated with Long Term use of an inferior vena cava filter. Over a period of about 5 years, they identify 921 events. While not the majority of cases, that number still represents a statistical significance of the use of long-term IVCs.

Of these IVC filter side effects, 328 involved device migration, 146 involved embolizations after detachment of device components, 70 involved perforation of the IVC, and 56 involved filter fracture. Much of the medical community believes that this large number of adverse events is related to the heart filter remaining in place for longer than necessary.

Common issues relating to failure, to include death (the other 4% of cases) include:

  • Device-associated morbidity
  • Device migration
  • Filter embolization
  • Filter fracture
  • Insertion-site thrombosis
  • Perforation of the vena cava
  • Recurrent DVT
  • Recurrent PE
  • Thrombotic complications
  • Vena cava thrombosis

Less common adverse reactions

While these side effects are not common (less than 10-20% of patients), many do report issues stemming from the placement and complication of the IVC while inside of the body.

  • 9% (12 of 132 patients) delayed filter penetration of the IVC greater than 3 mm
  • Parts of filter broke off in 2% (5 of 230 patients)
  • Caval filter migrated to heart or pulmonary artery (4 patients)

Numerous small published articles and case studies report describe similar issues to the above. Most notably:

  • Filter fracture: Broken struts migrate to retroperitoneum, requiring exploration. Also struts can migrate to the heart and can cause pericardial effusion and tamponade.
  • Perforation into the duodenum: Resulting in severe diarrhea and weight loss.
  • Arterial hemorrhage: Requires surgery to avoid death.
  • Misplaced Filter: Causes pericardiac tamponade requiring surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass.
  • Filter Migration to Right Atrium: Resulting in acute myocardial infarction.
  • Filter Lodged in Heart: Causes life-threatening arrhythmia and often requires pacemakers to resolve condition.
  • Heart Migration: Requires surgery to remove IVC from heart.
  • Sudden Death: Caused by the filter migrating to an active region in the heart.
  • Migration of Filter to Chest: Requires surgery.
  • Perforation of filter strut into small-bowel: Requires surgery to repair perforation.

Even though the cases above are the exception, and not the rule, most radiologists object to doing prophylactic filter insertions in patients who do not have thromboembolic diseases. For the most part, whenever possible, interventional radiologists would rather start the patient on anticoagulants than use an IVC, even if requested or referred via a doctor.

MRI

While most IVC filters are made of non-ferromagnetic materials, there are a few types that are weakly ferromagnetic. Accordingly, IVC filters fall under the MRI Safe and MRI Conditional categories depending mostly on type of material used during construction. Rarely will one find an MRI Not Safe IVC filter, as most of the steel, and other ferromagnetic material devices have been discontinued via the FDA.

IVC filters are attached to the vena cava via hooks on their ends. Some are compression springs, which compress outward onto the side wall of the vena cava; however, they still have small hooks that retain their location. These hooks aid in the anchoring and healing process, as they allow the tissues to 'ingrow' around them, securing the IVC in place. It is unlikely, then, after 4 to 6 weeks of healing, that an MRI of 1.5 tesla, up to 3 tesla, will cause any level of dislodging to occur to the IVC filter.

Studies of MR examination of both animals and humans, with implanted IVC filters, have not reported complications or symptomatic filter displacement.

Several animal studies have even used "real-time" MR for the placement of IVC filters to check for rotation, sheering, and other artifacts.

As part of the 'routing' survey for MRI studies, patients who have IVC filters will often need verification from the doctor, or medical records, to state that the IVC is safe for the MRI. Most patients with weakly or non-safe ferromagnetic implants will be given a card, which they keep on their person at all time, that can help isolate if it is safe to do an MRI.

For patients who have been denied MRI scans for safety reasons, doctors usually recommend the CT scan with contrast as an alternative.

Labeling and recommendations

Most IVC filters that have been tested have been labeled as "MRi safe"; the remainder of IVC filters that have been tested are "MR conditional." Patients who have been treated with nonferromagnetic IVC filters can undergo MR examination any time after filter implantation. In patients who have been treated with a weakly ferromagnetic IVC filter (Gianturco bird nest IVC filter [Cook], stainless steel Greenfield vena cava filter [Boston Scientific]), it is advised that the patient wait at least six weeks before undergoing an MR examination (because these older devices initially may not be anchored as firmly in place as other devices discussed in the present context), unless there is a strong clinical indication to perform the MR examination sooner after implantation, and as long as there is no reason to suspect that the device is not positioned properly or that it is not firmly in place. Most studies of IVC filters have generally been conducted at 1.5 tesla or less, although many IVC filters have now been evaluated at 3 tesla and deemed acceptable for MR examination.

Placement

IVC filters are placed endovascularly, meaning that they are inserted via the blood vessels. Historically, IVC filters were placed surgically, but with modern filters that can be compressed into much thinner catheters, access to the venous system can be obtained via the femoral vein (the large vein in the groin), the internal jugular vein (the large vein in the neck) or the arm veins with one design. Choice of route depends mainly on the number and location of any blood clot within the venous system. To place the filter, a catheter is guided into the IVC using fluoroscopic guidance, then the filter is pushed through the catheter and deployed into the desired location, usually just below the junction of the IVC and the lowest renal vein.

Review of prior cross-sectional imaging or a venogram of the IVC is performed before deploying the filter to assess for potential anatomic variations, thrombi within the IVC, or areas of stenoses, as well as to estimate the diameter of the IVC. Rarely, ultrasound-guided placement is preferred in the setting of contrast allergy, chronic kidney disease, and when patient immobility is desired. The size of the IVC may affect which filter is deployed, as some (such as the Birds Nest) are approved to accommodate larger cavae. There are situations where the filter is placed above the renal veins (e.g. pregnant patients or women of childbearing age, renal or gonadal vein thromboses, etc.). Also, if there is duplication of the IVC, the filter is placed above the confluence of the two IVCs or a filter can be placed within each IVC.

Retrieval

The concept of a removable IVC filter was first conceived in 1967. In 2003 and 2004 the United States Food and Drug Administration first approved retrievable filters. In 2005 that the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) convened a multidisciplinary conference to address the clinical application of nonpermanent vena cava filters.

Retrievable filters are fitted with a device (varying from model to model) that allows them to be easily snared and pulled back into a catheter and removed from the body, often through the jugular vein. Prior to 2004, filters that had been in the IVC for less than three weeks were considered suitable to attempt retrieval, as filters that have been in place longer might have been overgrown by cells from the IVC wall and there was an increased risk of IVC injury if the filter is dislodged. Newer designs, and developments in techniques mean that some filters can now be left in for prolonged periods and retrievals after a year are now being reported. This would include the ALN, Bard G2 and G2x, Option, Tulip and Celect filters.

It is important to note that the clinical exam prior to the removal of the filter is vital in understanding both the risk and pathophysiological effects removing the filter will have on the patient. Doctors and medical professionals must consider several key factors (see Indications for removing IVC filters).

References

  • IVC filters - emedicine.com

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